Sardine, Pacific (Iwashi) – U.S. and Canada, Purse Seine

Sardines reproduce rapidly, but their populations depend on favorable ocean conditions, which have natural variability. They are important food for many fish, seabirds and marine mammals.

Pacific sardines are fished with purse seines. This type of fishing gear does not make contact with the ocean floor in this fishery, and so there are low concerns about habitat impacts. This type of gear is also an efficient way to catch schooling fish, such as sardines, with minimal bycatch of other species.